Monday, May 26, 2008

God Bless Our Troops!

On this Memorial Day, I wish to give thanks to our troops for all their sacrifices. Freedom is not free, and thanks to these valiant men and women of today and generations past who wear the uniform and their families, America remains the greatest country on earth. I am proud to be an American and proud of our Armed Forces.

Ronald Reagan gave a very moving speech at Pointe du Hoc in 1984 which is a stiring reminder of the efforts of our brave men in World War II. If you have not heard it, it is well worth your attention.




Enjoy the day. God Bless America and God Bless Our Troops. http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/AmericaSupportsYou/index.aspx

Monday, May 19, 2008

Dennis Miller Goes Firebombing!

The Fox Business channel is off and running and throwing out some real quality programing. And have I mentioned the lovely Alexis Glick?

Anyhow, Neil Cavuto recently had an interview with Dennis Miller, who combines a stout vocabulary with terrific humor. Dennis is on fire on this one and I wish I could firebomb out rhetoric like this. Give this rant your ear! It does not get any better than this.



Miller did not miss a beat here. From accurately throwing John Edwards under the bus to properly outlining what should be John McCain's playbook, this is a touchdown. And to think ABC's Monday Night Football dumped him for Tony Kornheiser?

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Idiot Appeasers Speak Out!

Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly commented about his prayers that Israel will be destroyed very soon. Although he discusses this seemingly on a weekly basis, it is unfortunate, and potentially deadly, that most representatives in our government obviously think his talk is cheap. Many felt that way about Adolph Hitler in 1939, so with President Bush on Israeli soil, it was totally appropriate for Bush to issue the following comment on the idiots who fail to recognize this threat.
"Some seem to believe that we should negotiate with the terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along. We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: 'Lord, if I could only have talked to Hitler, all this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is—the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history."

Barrack Obama is one of these idiots, and of course thinking it is all about him, he issued the following retort through his staff:

"It is sad that President Bush would use a speech to the Knesset on the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence to launch a false political attack," Obama said in the statement his aides distributed. "George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists, and the president's extraordinary politicization of foreign policy and the politics of fear do nothing to secure the American people or our stalwart ally Israel."

Obama just this week fired a staff member for consulting with Hamas, who last I checked, is second on the list of terrorists organizations in Americans killed. Apparently, the "politics of fear" are working just ducky since, thank God, we have been able to stand free of any additional attacks since 9-11. It was indeed Obama who said, without any pre-conditions, he would meet with all the tyrants around the world, legitimizing their status and pulling the weakness card out of our hat. Naive sure, but much more importantly, very dangerous. A rogue Jimmy Carter running around is one thing, but potentially a sitting President would be quite another.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, still clinging to some hope the Obama campaign will blow up (Rev. Wright is still offering sermons), felt it necessary to comment:

President Bush’s comparison of any Democrat to Nazi appeasers is both offensive and outrageous on the face of it, especially in light of his failures in foreign policy. This is the kind of statement that has no place in any presidential address and certainly to use an important moment like the 60th anniversary celebration of Israel to make a political point seems terribly misplaced. Unfortunately, this is what we’ve come to expect from President Bush.

Given the actions of the cut and run Democrats with regard to current activities, those who tossed the only Democrat who gets the global war on terror out of the party in Joe Lieberman, how could she be so dis shelved about comparing Democrats to appeasers. I contend they are!

Regarding the comments, we have come to expect this from Bush? You have got to be kidding me? President Bush has been most gracious to the Clintons, perhaps most by offering Bill Clinton a vehicle to rebuild his reputation by embarking on charitable operations with Bush 41. I can see where this graciousness has got 43. Have you met the Clintons?

Israel understands better than anyone how deadly appeasement can be. Fortunately for them, President Bush has this completely comprehended and it seems fitting to warn the world that others may not be as knowledgeable. Yeah, Obama, he is talking about you. So am I.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Going Green for Greenback!

With Led Zeppelin on the mind fresh off another outstanding performance by Classic Albums Live at The Hard Rock Orlando this weekend, like you I am dazed and confused regarding these gas prices and what options going forward present themselves.

Let me go on record predicting the price per barrel of oil looks like a blow-off top and will fall back below $100, possibly as low as $75, at least for the short term not withstanding any of the crazy terrorist activities over in the middle east.

However, I am interested in investment opportunities for the mid to long term as efforts are made to tackle this colossal issue of our time. I note the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standard (CAFE) bill signed into law, which is going to mandate extremely stiff fuel economy standards. Check out a related article below:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/nhtsa-announces-new-cafe-standards-through-2015/

I think most every sound thinking individual can appreciate fuel efficiency from an economic and environmental perspective, but the going green crowd has got most folks not thinking clearly. GM's (GM:NYSE)Bob Lutz shares my perspective, that for the most part global warming is "a crock of shit". But, we are being legislated to join in, and at a heavy monetary price.

So, how can we profit from this? There are two areas of investment opportunity I have identified, and the first is nanotechnology. Nano is already a major factor on the world stage but as far as returns on investment, the results have been disappointing so far. Please see the below ETF Nano chart(PXN:NASDAQ).


A second area is concerning carbon graphite, which apparently going to be used for bodies of vehicles among other things in the very near future. This material is half the weight and is equally as strong. This alone could double fuel efficiency and modestly reduce total operating expenses. Please see the below article for further insight in this regard.

http://www.ornl.gov/info/press_releases/get_press_release.cfm?ReleaseNumber=mr20060306-00

This technology seems poised to play a significant role going forward. I have taken a position in a player in this industry, GrafTech International (GTI:NYSE). A review of the chart of GTI indicates potentially much higher prices.


Perhaps I am too optimistic, but there will be technology likely from the private sector which will present itself as an answer to many of the current issues we find at our doorstep currently. I am hoping to capitalize on any investment opportunities I find, which is the American way!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Too Tough To Tame

The good ole boys head up to Darlington Raceway near Myrtle Beach for the Dodge Challenger 500 Saturday night. "The Lady in Black" is NASCAR's oldest superspeedway and has very notorious history, where drivers annually collect the famous "Darlington Stripe" as they brush the outside retaining wall.

Darlington is also home to the best finish I have ever seen, and now you can see it! Ricky Craven in his #32 Tide Pontiac Grand Prix proves on the way to the winners circle, wider is better!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

I Better Have One More

Courtesy of Punch!
Now you know the gas prices have gotten completely out of hand. Forget about the spotted scarlet pumperknickle 3 leg caribou in ANWR or the threat of illegal aliens hanging off potential oil rigs in the Gulf, would congress get off their ass and do something meaningful in this regard.

In the meantime, I better have just one more tall cool one.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

High School Economics

This is some recession we are in! Walt Disney reported numbers this afternoon and hammered analysts estimates. On the heels of the Hannah Montana printing press and the huge success of High School Musical, combined with better than expected theme park and media revenues, Disney (DIS:NYSE) looks about ready to break out of a two year base and head significantly higher.

Disney is nothing short of a top notch operation and as a shareholder, they have always impressed on my many visits to Disney World. And, Selena Gomez is set to emerge!


The housing market is a disaster, and credit issues are increasing to couple with gas and commodity prices which are strangleholding consumers. However, with companies like Disney and Wal-Mart (WMT:NYSE) posting new highs, the country simply cannot be in the worst recession in moons at this time.

As the tape dictates, and tomorrow is another day, most all my checks point to strong companies heading higher going forward. A check of a chart of Home Depot (HD:NYSE) indicates a potential breakout as well, and that may say something to corroborate the opinion editorial in the Wall Street Journal today suggesting the housing crisis is over. In doing chart scans, I see many potential moving average crosses, where the 50 day is set to slice upward through the 200 day.

A leading indicator, the stock market is telling a story. Don't know about you, but I am listening.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Seminole Pow Wow

The Seminole Club of Greater Orlando hosted the annual Bobby Bowden Tour Saturday, which culminated with a banquet at the Crowne Plaza Airport.

Coach Bowden had a very strong outing on the golf course, sinking a 45 footer on 18 while firing an 83.

When thinking of the 2008 Seminoles, Bowden seemed very encouraged. Obviously, the idiotic recent behavior and arrest by wideout Preston Parker, our best player, will be a negative factor. However, Bowden is pleased with the development of some of the younger players and feels we are one recruiting class away from getting back to challenging for national honors.

Word on the street is Christian Ponder is outstanding and could well upstart Drew Weatherford for the starting position at quarterback. Ponder gives FSU athleticism at the position we have not had, and this fits the scheme of offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher.


Coach Bowden remains quite engaged and vigorous, showing no signs of hangin it up, although it is inevitable over the next few years. It is always a pleasure to visit with Coach and a fun time for sure for the Orlando Florida State faithful. Go 'Noles

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Oracle of Omaha

Omaha is home to many things, like the first Super Target, Conagra Foods, TD Ameritrade, Gorat's Steakhouse and the College Baseball World Series. But, on the first Monday in May, Omaha is well known for quite another reason.

At this time, investors of all kinds trek to Omaha for the annual meeting of shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway. Labeled as sort of a financial "woodstock", the meeting has turned into a weekend event, attracting folks from Wall Street types like Mario Gabelli to Bill Gates to Cornhusker faithful from rural areas like Duncan and Hastings. And Orlando?

Scheduling conflicts prohibited this shareholder from attending this year, and that is disappointing since an opportunity to hear Mr. Buffett and Mr. Munger discuss the company and the marketplace is invaluable and should not be missed. My parents had ball a few years back when they attended.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=730393759




Although he pledged his support for Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, which I find puzzling, Warren Buffett is great, not only as the top investor of all time, but as a philanthropist and proud representative of the great state of Nebraska. Go Big Red!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Little River Band

There are many underrated bands throughout history, but at or near the top of the list is The Little River Band. As I can tell, only one near original member still is associated with the band, and that is Wayne Nelson. I have seen LRB several times and they never disappoint.

Tonight, they hit the House of Blues Orlando for what will be another great show. It is always good times down there, so get the beer cold at the side bar for when we roll up in the rig.